UMPI costs $1,800 per 7-week session, allowing students to take multiple classes in a short timeframe. This structure is ideal for those with transfer credits, enabling them to complete their bachelor’s degrees more quickly.
Are you planning to earn your B.S. in Computer Science (Software Development) through UMPI’s YourPace? This rigorous, flexible program is designed for adults and transfer students seeking affordability, speed, and marketable tech skills.
Important: While UMPI originally targeted Fall 2025 for the online CS launch, the full rollout may occur as late as early or even late 2026—always verify availability and updates directly with UMPI admissions and program advisors.
UMPI Degree Snapshot
- Total Credits: 120
- General Education Curriculum (GEC): ~40 credits, widely fulfilled by ACE alternative credit
- CS Major & Software Development Concentration: 61+18 credits (theory, programming, software, systems, practicum)
- Math Core: Calculus I, Statistics I/II, Discrete Math, Linear Algebra
- UMPI Residency: 30 credits minimum (including 12 in major, 9 upper level at UMPI)[file:2][web:7]
| Course Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| COS 101 | Intro to Computer Science | 3 |
| COS 110 | Programming Fundamentals | 3 |
| COS 120 | Intro to Data Structures | 3 |
| COS 220 | Programming Languages | 3 |
| COS 230 | Algorithm Theory Development | 3 |
| COS 235 | Architecture and Organization | 3 |
| COS 240 | Network Concepts | 3 |
| COS 250 | Management of Enterprise Data | 3 |
| COS 305 | Computational Science | 3 |
| COS 310 | Operating Systems | 3 |
| COS 495 | Cybersecurity/Comp Sci Internship | 3 |
| Required Math | See Below | |
| MAT 131 | Calculus I | 4 |
| MAT 201 | Probability & Statistics I | 3 |
| MAT 202 | Probability & Statistics II | 3 |
| MAT 253 | Discrete Mathematics | 3 |
| MAT 274 | Linear Algebra | 3 |
| Software Development Concentration | ||
| COS 200 | Introduction to Web Design | 3 |
| COS 205 | Multimedia Design | 3 |
| COS 300 | Advanced Web Design | 3 |
| COS 321 | Software Engineering II | 3 |
| Software Development Electives | Choose at least 6 credits from approved list |
Where Can You Use Alternative Credit?
UMPI accepts up to 90 transfer credits, but major policy updates (May 2025) added significant restrictions. Here’s what you can and cannot do for your B.S. in Computer Science:
1. General Education and Elective Courses
- Study.com, Sophia.org, StraighterLine: Most Gen Ed and elective courses remain widely accepted at UMPI as direct equivalencies or electives.
- CLEP: Affordable credit for composition, math, Spanish, history, social sciences, and more.
- Saylor Academy: As of 2025, only some Saylor ACE courses are accepted (almost all as electives rather than direct CS or upper-level credit)[web:35][web:45].
- See UMPI’s transfer equivalency database or contact your advisor before enrolling.
2. Computer Science/Programming Requirements
Lower-Level (100-200) Courses That May Be Taken Outside UMPI:
- Introduction to Programming (Python/Java) – Sophia, Study.com, sometimes Saylor CS101/CS102 (Intro to CS/Java) accepted as elective or at most COS 1XX equivalent[web:36][web:6][web:39].
- Intro to Information Technology/Computer Concepts – Sophia, Study.com, Saylor CS101 (sometimes as electives).
- Databases, Web Design (intro level) – Select Study.com/Sophia/Saylor courses may transfer as electives or rare direct matches—but UMPI is NOT currently granting direct equivalency to most major/core courses with alt credit (2025)[web:11][web:37].
- Networking – Saylor CS402 and SDC Networking transfer as electives (or rarely as COS 240 if approved individually).
Upper-Level or Major-Specific CS Courses:
- As of mid-2025, almost all upper-level (300/400) CS courses and required advanced core classes—Data Structures, Algorithms, Operating Systems, Software Engineering, Networking, Capstone/Internship, Practicum—must be taken at UMPI. Saylor, Study.com, Sophia, and Coursera credits in these subjects are now accepted only as electives, not as substitutes for required major courses[web:7][web:11][web:36][web:37][file:2].
- Exception: Some students have succeeded in transferring Saylor CS courses as general electives or petitioning for substitution in rare cases (often via portfolios/credit-by-exam, requiring careful advance advisor approval)[web:17][web:36].
Example Table: Cheap Alt Credit Options (2025-2026)
| Requirement | Alt Provider(s) & Course | Accepted at UMPI? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Composition, Literature | Sophia, SL, CLEP | Yes (direct) | Check Sophia’s UMPI page |
| College Algebra, Statistics | Sophia, SL, CLEP | Yes (direct) | |
| Lab Science, Ethics | Sophia, SL, Study.com | Yes (direct) | |
| Spanish/Language | Sophia (Spanish I), CLEP | Yes (direct) | |
| Intro to CS/Programming | Sophia, SDC, Saylor CS101/CS102 | Sometimes elective, sometimes direct (COS 1XX) | Approval needed |
| Data Structures, Algorithms | Saylor CS201/CS202, SDC Algorithms | No (2025)—Elective only | Major courses at UMPI only |
| Advanced Networking | Saylor CS402, SDC Networking | Elective, sometimes COS 240 | Petition required |
| Capstone/Internship | N/A | No | UMPI only |
| Full Stack Web Development | Univ. Helsinki Full Stack Open MOOC | Elective/Limited Direct | ACEI eval required; advisor pre-approval |
| Functional Programming | Univ. Helsinki Haskell MOOC | Elective/Limited Direct | ACEI eval required; advisor pre-approval |
| Python Programming (Intro/Advanced) | Univ. Helsinki Python Programming MOOC (Intro, Adv) | Elective/Limited Direct | ACEI eval required; advisor pre-approval |
| Cybersecurity | Univ. Helsinki Cyber Security Base MOOC | Elective/Limited Direct | ACEI eval required; advisor pre-approval |
Special Note: University of Helsinki MOOCs for Credit
Several free, world-class online courses from the University of Helsinki can provide ECTS credits for computing topics. To count for US university credit (including UMPI), completed coursework must be transcripted at Helsinki and then independently evaluated by the Academic Credentials Evaluation Institute (ACEI). Always get UMPI advisor pre-approval and understand that these transfer as lower-level electives—not direct upper-major UMPI CS courses.
Full Stack Open MOOC
The Full Stack Open is one of the most acclaimed JavaScript/React/Node.js professional web development courses available. You can earn 5–14 ECTS credited on a Helsinki transcript. After ACEI review and advisor approval, UMPI may grant elective or lower-level CS (COS 1XX) credit[file:2][web:54][web:7][web:49].
Functional Programming MOOC (Haskell)
The Functional Programming I and II MOOCs cover program design and theory using Haskell, each worth 5 ECTS. These can appear as electives (and may be petitioned for the theoretical CS or advanced programming component of your plan). ACEI transcript and advisor approval remains mandatory[web:74][web:83][web:68].
Introduction to Programming with Python MOOC
The Python Programming MOOC includes both Intro and Advanced tracks (5 ECTS each). Passing the course and completing Helsinki’s credential/transcript process makes ACEI evaluation and UMPI credit possible for electives or lower-level programming requirements (COS 1XX). Certificates are available even if you do not pursue ECTS credits[web:52][web:78][web:72][web:75].
Cyber Security Base MOOC
The Cyber Security Base is a highly regarded course series covering infosec fundamentals and practical skills (up to 10 ECTS possible). US students must request transcripted ECTS and ACEI evaluation for credit transfer, typically receiving elective or “security studies” credit at US colleges, subject to advisor review[web:76][web:79][web:73][web:82].
Important Note: All Helsinki MOOCs are free and do not require a Finnish SSN or residency. However, ECTS credits only count at UMPI after ACEI transcript evaluation and with your advisor’s explicit approval. They are best used to fulfill electives or broaden your academic record, not core upper-level Computer Science requirements.
Step-by-Step: Efficient Path
- Max Out Gen Ed/Elective Credit Before Enrolling
- Use Sophia, Study.com, and CLEP for all Gen Ed and non-major electives allowed.
- Petition if you have Saylor, University of Helsinki MOOC credits.
- Request ACEI evaluation for all foreign (Helsinki) transcripts and submit to UMPI.
- Confirm Each Transfer with Official Database/Advisor
- Recent policy changes are applied strictly; don’t risk non-transfer of major/upper-level credit.
- Plan to Complete All Upper-Level/Advanced CS Courses at UMPI
- Budget and schedule for at least 30 credits of in-residence study, nearly all in your final year(s).
- Ask About Credit for Prior Learning
- If you have significant work or project experience, consider portfolio/assessment for electives.
Tips, Warnings, and Key Resources
- Always verify course-to-requirement mapping before enrolling in alt credit sources; transfer rules and course equivalencies are updated regularly.
- ACE-approved providers only; UMPI does not accept NCCRS credits (no Coopersmith, LawShelf, etc)[web:3].
- Contact your YourPace advisor when in doubt; published policy may lag behind current transfer practices.
- Community forums like DegreeForum.net and student Discords can help with up-to-date transfer success stories and strategies, but official sources are final.
Conclusion
UMPI continues to offer one of the quickest, most affordable regionally accredited CS degrees for transfer students. However, the 2025 policy changes now make alt credit for upper-level/major CS courses highly limited—so plan carefully and confirm every credit transfer.
Stay in touch with your advisor, watch for the CS YourPace launch timeline (may slip into 2026), and update your plan as policies evolve!